At least 13 dead in Accra flooding as Ghana warns of more rain

At least 13 people have died in Ghana's capital, Accra, after torrential rain caused severe flooding across parts of the city. Emergency teams have been deployed as rescue and recovery operations continue, with authorities warning that the death toll could still rise. The government has urged residents to stay indoors or move to higher ground as another storm approaches from the east.

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The Ghana National Fire Service said it had rescued more than 470 people so far. It said much of the water from Sunday night's downpours had begun to recede, but low-lying areas were heavily affected and some residents remained trapped in their homes. The Interior Ministry said police, fire crews, the military and the National Disaster Management Organisation had been deployed to monitor the situation and safeguard lives and property.

The president's office told people not to cross flooded roads on foot or by vehicle and to call 112 if their homes were being inundated. The flooding also triggered a major fire at a rubber factory in the city, adding to the disruption. Videos circulating online showed homes and vehicles submerged, while many buildings were reported destroyed.

The meteorological agency said further rain was expected in parts of southern Ghana, including Accra, from Tuesday morning into the afternoon, increasing the risk of more flooding. Officials also advised people to avoid sheltering under trees, stay clear of loose electrical wires and not to walk or drive through floodwater. The scale of the rainfall has raised concern because Accra is one of Africa's fastest-growing cities and includes many low-lying neighbourhoods that are vulnerable to flooding.